"Well, Atherton, what do you want?" basked the Scoutmaster, as the Leader went up to him and saluted. "A suggestion for the camp, eh?" "No, sir," replied Atherton. "I'm in a difficulty and want advice. Can I speak to you in the store-room, sir?" "Certainly," assented Mr Trematon kindly. "Now, Atherton, what is it that's worrying you?" The Scout told the story of his adventure, omitting nothing, although he put the account of his part of the rescue in as brief a form as possible. "You had better come with me to the Head," said Mr Trematon, when Atherton had finished. "I think I can account for your reticence, and no doubt Mr Kane will see things in a similar light." "Whatever possessed you to go without giving your name and address, Atherton?" asked the Rev. Septimus. "Don't you see you are putting obstacles in the way of the police?" "I have thought of that since, sir," replied Atherton; "but at the time all I wanted was to make myself scarce." "Make yourself scarce!" repeated the Head, reprovingly. "That is hardly the right way to express yourself:" "Well, sir, you see I did not want any reward for my good turn." "What a strange idea," remarked the Rev. Septimus Kane to his assistant. "One of the principles of Scout law, sir; to do a brave action with the prime motive of self-advertisement is deprecated by all true Scouts." "Yet I notice names of Scout heroes frequently figure in the Press," added the Head, musingly. "Possibly not with their consent, sir." "There are volumes in the meaning of the word 'possibly,' Mr Trematon. However, the best thing you can do is to take Atherton over to the police-station. Ask that his identity may be concealed if practicable. They will telephone the description of the two assailants to the other stations, and in that way a tardy assistance may be rendered to the Force. Don't wait, it is late already." "Very good sir. Do you want me----" Mr Trematon's words were interrupted by a sharp knock at the study door, and in response to the Head's invitation Jellyboy, the porter, entered, followed by a stalwart constable. "Good evening, sir," exclaimed the policeman, saluting. "I've been sent to make a few enquiries, sir; can I speak to you in private?" "I do not think privacy is desirable, constable," replied the Rev. Septimus, who at times possessed a keen intuition. "You have called with reference to that case of attempted murder on Hungerford Bridge." "You're right, sir," said the astonished policeman. "You'll excuse me, sir, but might I ask how you know?"